Soldiers have been desecrating bodies of dead enemy since the spear and shield were the weapons of choice. America did not invent bad behavior by soldiers. But like with slavery, America seems to get the rap.
The dumbest thing these soldiers did was video tape it. What the heck were they thinking? When I was in the service they always reminded us when we were on foreign soil, that we were American ambassadors. What the people see in us when they come in contact, is how they will perceive Americans for the rest of their lives. Like Glenn Beck says, “America is Great because America is Good”. When a few knuckleheads take it on their own put this on video for the whole world to see, they are doing great damage to America’s image. The Image us soldiers and sailors of the past tried so hard to build.
You may or may not agree with my commentary, but this proud veteran stands by it.
6.2.6 War Crimes under International Law
The following acts, if committed intentionally, are examples of acts that could be considered war crimes, but would not be considered grave breaches of the [Geneva] Conventions:
2. Mutilation or other mistreatment of the dead
The only question would be if this provision includes the mistreatment of non-uniformed dead combatants (such as Taliban fighters).
I am all in favor of killing the enemy. Once the enemy is dead, however, I am not in favor of desecrating the body. This view is not unique to me. This is the traditional view of civilized societies, including the United States, and it has, as far as I know, always been a part of our military code.
I expect our guys to act better than the enemy.
Of course I am much more repelled by the abominable, murderous, brutal conduct of the muzzies than I am by a few of our guys pissing on those bodies. A reprimand or some other mild form of discipline might be in order, though. What they did, while understandable emotionally to some extent, should not be condoned or excused.
“Like Glenn Beck says, “America is Great because America is Good”.”
Beck usually states that he got that from DeToqueville’s Democracy In America.
“When I was in the service they always reminded us when we were on foreign soil, that we were American ambassadors. What the people see in us when they come in contact, is how they will perceive Americans for the rest of their lives.”